Policy and Advocacy

Female Genital Mutilation

Last week, the AMA released its policy position on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

While FGM is illegal in Australia, as is taking a girl or woman overseas to undergo the procedure, surveys indicate that up to one in 10 paediatricians in Australia have treated patients who have undergone FGM. In 2010, the Royal Women’s Hospital reported that it was treating 600 to 700 women for FGM-related complications each year.

The AMA recognises the need for increased training and education for doctors in identifying and treating women and girls who have undergone FGM, and recommends the inclusion of FGM training in tertiary medical curricula.